MANCHESTER BRANCH

Here, we present everything related to the Manchester branch of the Eastern Sudan Community Association in the United Kingdom, including its strategic plan and community priorities, as well as a selection of activities and initiatives delivered by the Manchester branch

ESCA-UK Manchester: Our Strategic Masterplan (2026–2028)

To address the multifaceted challenges facing our community, from the trauma of displacement to the UK's cost-of-living crisis, we have developed a robust, target-driven master plan. Our strategy focuses exclusively on empowering our vibrant, young demographic: children, youth, and mothers.

Our 5 Strategic Pillars:

Safe Haven & Community Safety: Bilingual signposting, dignified mourning spaces (Azaa), and youth crime prevention.
"Project Recovery" & Maternal Well-Being: Mental health peer support, "Stay & Play" crèches, and NHS-partnered care.
Skills & Leadership Academy: Charity governance training, ESOL classes, and CV building for the UK job market.
Youth Active Heritage: Inclusive grassroots sports (including female-only sessions) and creative arts workshops.
Holiday Programs & Anchor Events: Subsidized family trips, Open Iftars, and multicultural exchange festivals.

Our Impact & Recent Activities

At ESCA-UK (Manchester Branch), we believe in transparency, accountability, and measurable results. We don't just organize events; we design initiatives that create a lasting, positive impact on our community’s well-being, integration, and cultural pride.

Below, you can explore summaries of our recent successful programs and download the full, detailed evaluation reports to see the real numbers and stories behind our community work:

Family and Community Gathering

Organiser: ESCA – Manchester

Legal Status: Registered charity since July 2024 (Reg. No. 1208905), operating since 2021

Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025

Place: Platt Fields Park – Manchester

Total Attendance: 49

Organising a Ceremony to Honour the Family and Community Gathering

Organised by: ESCA – Manchester

Date: April 2025 Venue: 27-29 Maine Road, Manchester, M14 4FS

Organised by:Eastern Sudan Communities Association (Manchester Branch)

Legal Status: Registered charity since July 2024 (Reg. No. 1208905), operating since 2021

Date: March 17, 2025

Venue: 27–29 Maine Road, Manchester, M14 4FS

Youth Grand Iftar

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ESCA’s Participation in Partner Organisations’ Annual Iftar Events

In the framework of enhancing cooperation and partnership between Sudanese community institutions and friendly communities in Greater Manchester, the Eastern Sudan Communities

Association (ESCA) participated in a number of Ramadan activities and Iftar events organised by Sudanese community institutions in 2025, including the Sudanese Community in Greater Manchester, the Sudanese Club in Manchester, the Al-Bireh Community Association, and the Sudanese Community in Bolton.

Family Iftar and International Women's Day Celebration Event

Legal Status: Registered charity since July 2024 (Reg. No. 1208905), operating since 2021

Date: March 8, 2025 Time: 17:30 to 22:00

Venue: 27–29 Maine Road, Manchester, M14 4FS

Total Attendance: 132 participants Categories: Women (34) – Men (34) – Youth (19) –

Children (45)

Organised by: The Sudanese Community in Greater Manchester in cooperation with the

ESCA Manchester

Venue: 27-29 Mine Road, M14 4FS. Date: April 12, 2025

Safe Internet Use and Child Protection System in the UK

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Sports Activities

Legal Status: Registered charity since July 2024 (Reg. No. 1208905), operating since 2021

Target Audience: Youth and children from the Eastern Sudan community in Manchester

Venue: Association Office and a rented football pitch

Capacity Building & Training Workshops

The Eastern Sudan Communities Association (ESCA) conducted a CV Writing Workshop on October 28, 2024, for its Manchester-based members, in accordance with its strategic mission to foster professional development and empower its members.

The workshop offered participants practical advice on how to create effective résumés (CVs), enhance their employment prospects, and prepare for career advancement. This initiative is in direct alignment with the association's objectives of fostering self-reliance among members and volunteers, community empowerment, and capacity development.

Review the Event

Working Together to Safeguard Children

Event Date: February 2, 2026

Location: Salford CVS Training Room, Salford

Training Provider: Salford CVS

Trainer: Liz Atkinson, Safeguarding Development Worker

Attendance: 12 volunteers (9 men and 3 women) from Manchester (9) and Birmingham (3)

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International Women’s Day Celebration 2026

Event Date: Saturday, 7th March 2026 (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Venue: St. James, Moss Side (95a Princess Road, M14 4TH)

Attendance: 24 female attendees in the hall (23 community participants and 1 young female volunteer), with a total of 29 families reached and supported

Official Introductory Visit to the Mayor of Manchester

Event Date: April 22, 2025

Venue: Manchester (Official Mayoral Visit)

Attendance: ESCA representatives, various collaborating communities, grassroots organisations, and the mayor of Manchester (Cllr. Paul Andrews).

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Manchester Grand Community Iftar

Theme: "Unity & Harmony" 21 Feb 2026

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Main Objectives and Activities

Educational courses

Education & Capacity Building

Our dedication lies in empowering the next generation and equipping our community for the job market. To ensure the highest standards and compliance, we work in close partnership with specialized, accredited local institutions to connect our members with educational support, English language (ESOL) courses, and digital skills training. Additionally, we directly provide tailored academic and career guidance, including CV-building workshops—to ensure the lasting success of our youth in Manchester.

Sports activities

Youth Sports & Active Heritage

Home to our flagship youth project, proudly supported by Sport England and Manchester Relief in Need. We provide a safe, professional sporting environment for children and young people (ages 5-16) to keep them engaged positively, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills. Led by a certified coaching team, this initiative seamlessly integrates physical activity with our rich cultural heritage.

Join the Team

Health events

Wellbeing & Youth Safety

We actively promote mental and physical well-being through safe community spaces and educational workshops. Our focus is on supporting families, protecting young people from modern societal challenges such as youth crime, and providing culturally sensitive guidance and emotional support pathways.

General support

Guidance & Community Support (ASK ESCA)

A reliable support network for families and individuals. Through our "ASK ESCA" service, we provide administrative assistance and professional signposting for housing, welfare benefits, and immigration procedures. Our streamlined online booking system connects you directly with the right local authorities and specialized UK services.

Book an Appointment

Cultural events

Heritage & Cultural Integration

We proudly celebrate our Sudanese roots and authentic Beja heritage. By organizing vibrant cultural and social events, we aim to bridge generational gaps, strengthen youth pride in their identity, and build strong, lasting bridges of social cohesion and integration with the wider, diverse community of Greater Manchester.